Speech therapy may look a lot like we are just playing . . . but here is an insider’s guide about what is really happening during all that “play!”

Every speech therapist who works with a child on developing and expanding his speech and language skills and communication has been challenged with questions about why it looks like “you’re just playing with my child.” What looks like the therapist sitting on the floor and simply talking to and playing with your child is actually based upon a lot of knowledge and expertise and includes many subtle prompts or cues which the therapist is skillfully using to facilitate the child’s language and communication. Keep reading for some inside tips and insight . . .

There are different stages and types of play and each present with different ways to facilitate language and development. For instance, a young child may put a toy in his mouth to learn about that object . . . he discovers that it is not food and will start to explore what else he might do with it. This exploratory play creates an opportunity for a child to learn through the sensations he is experiencing and respond with various motor skills and reactions. A speech therapist will guide the development of play for your child by offering specific toys to facilitate different stages of play and model new and creative ways to use, to respond to, and to talk about the toy.

There are specific skills which are needed to develop and progress with speech and language. As a speech therapist plays with your child, she is working to establish joint attention in order to promote skills such as listening, imitating actions and sounds, and using gestures. This is established by selecting and utilizing toys and activities which are motivating to the child and progressively establishing increased demands with them.

Establishing and maintaining a child’s attention is not child’s play . . . it can be very difficult! Communication depends upon motivation . . . play and interaction needs to be fun and engaging in order to motivate your child to communicate! It is okay to be silly and playful with your child . . . he will love it and will be learning from you at the same time!

Although it sounds counterintuitive, there are times when a speech therapist is not trying to elicit a word from your child. That is because observation is a key element of communication. The therapist will be consistently observing your child to understand exactly how he is communicating and how your child is using his nonverbal language so that she can help to interpret his intent and model the words to convey his message. And your child learns to develop this nonverbal communication by watching you! Reacting to your child with body language and facial expressions is just as important as for him to develop his communication skills as speaking to him.

Building upon the observation that the therapist does with your child, she uses specific cues to engage the child and encourage him to take a turn in the interaction. Waiting for that response or even for the child to initiate the interaction creates the opportunity for your child to be an active participant and reduces his dependency upon prompts to communicate.

When it comes to facilitating language development and communication, less is often so much more! Asking a lot of questions of your child can make him feel uncomfortable and can encourage more resistance. As a therapist plays with your child, she is setting up the environment to promote more independent communication from your child and understands that modeling can be a lot more effective than asking questions. Instead of asking “What is this?” use your observation and react to what your child does with the object and wait for his response instead.